Fenugreek dietary fibre a novel class of functional food ingredient

KRISHNA KUMAR IM, BALU P. MALIAKEL R & D Laboratory, Akay Flavours & Aromatics Ltd, Ambunadu, Malayidamthuruthu PO., Cochin-683561, Kerala, INDIA

Observational and epidemiological studies have substantiated turn, contributes to the increase in biomass. Soluble fiber, on the beyond doubt that the food rich in fruits and vegetables have a vital other hand is completely or partially fermentable in the large intestine role to play in maintaining ones good health conditions. Subsequent by the action of colonic bacteria to produce short chain fatty acids scientific query on various fruits, vegetables, spices and herbs for the such as butyrate, propionate, acetate etc. The short chain fatty acids active principles responsible for their wonderful efficacy resulted in contribute toward a variety of health benefits ranging from colonic the discovery of many phytochemicals. Presently, attempts have health to cardiac health through well-characterised biochemical been going on in both academia and industries to derive such novel pathways (5). Thus soluble fiber increases the viscosity of the phytonutrients or so-called Nutraceuticals, with sufficient efficacy data stomach contents, reduces the fatty acid and other nutrient and toxicological information to enable one to supplement them in absorption, regulates blood-sugar and reduces cardiac risk factors appropriate levels to keep up the normal cellular functions and hence such as cholesterol, triglycerides, C-reactive proteins etc (6). FDA has to prevent diseases. Moreover, many of such plant secondary approved a label claim for the soluble fiber isolated from oat bran and metabolites in optimum levels are found to act as essential psyllium husk for improving the cardiac health and heart attack risk. micronutriens capable of preventing a variety of disease states. Thus, a typical diet should contain both SF & IF fractions, intimately Curcumin is one such plant derived chemical, beyond doubt, whose mixed and ingested together to get maximal nutritional benefits. efficacy in various types of Cancer and Cardiac health have been However, an average man in a developed country is taking only 50 substantially proved with concomitant research activities initiated by percent of the average quantity required by human body for its proper both academic and industrial organisations (1, 2). "Eat more Fiber", functioning. It will be interesting to know the relative percentage of every one might have heard it several times before. Fiber, plant fiber in some of the common food that we take (Table 1) (7). It can be derived complex carbohydrates, is yet another class of indispensable seen that the fiber content is very low despite their high calorie value, food component whose deficiency over a long period of time may which is a dangerous situation. contribute to various disorders and diseases. The term Dietary Fiber, is mainly associated with non-digestible, but fermentable carbohydrate mixtures and lignins, which are neither hydrolyzed nor absorbed in the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract. Total Dietary Fiber (TDF) is a unique blend of Soluble fiber (SF) and Insoluble fiber (IF) fractions by nature. Cellulose, lignins, and some hemicelluloses form the IF fraction and pectins, gums, mucilages and some other hemicelluloses include the SF fraction. Dietary Fiber has received greater attraction in recent years and the horizon of health research studies related to fiber intake seems to be expanding. According to AC Nielsen's Label Trends report, there has been a substantial Table 1. Nature and content of fiber in some common food items growth in product range featuring the fiber content and its health benefits in their labels. Presently, consumers are also more aware of Some of the sources of dietary fiber from which both soluble and the fiber benefits due to peer-reviewed research publications and insoluble fiber can be commercially prepared are given in Table 2 (8). dietary guidelines of prestigious institutes and associations such as American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association, National Cancer Institute and USDA (3). The recommendations for dietary fiber intake has been substantiated in many chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity, colon cancer and Table 2. Common sources of dietary fiber other diverticular diseases, especially in the context of relatively fiber-deficient western diet. Fenugreek seeds, one of the widely used spices, probably is the richest source of both types of fiber. INSOLUBLE AND SOLUBLE FIBRE The major functions of IF fractions can be attributed to their passive water holding capacity and non-digestibility, which may help to increase the bulk and shortens the transit time of the stool through the intestinal tract (4). So it can be of benefit to those who struggle with constipation or irregular stools. It may also be useful to people having watery stools by absorbing the excess water and helping it to solidify. Furthermore, the presence of insoluble fiber fractions in food require more chewing and which may lead to less fat absorption. Fiber can also stimulate the growth of the colonic micro flora, which in FENUGREEK AS A NOVEL SOURCE OF DIETARY FIBER Fenugreek (Trigonella Foenum-gracium) is an annual leguminous herb possessing wonderful medicinal values. The dried seeds are aromatic and bitter, which have been used traditionally in India, China, Egypt and in some parts of Europe for its well known carminative, galactogouge, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, insulinotropic, and rejuvenating effects. The major constituents of fenugreek seeds have been identified as proteins 20 to 25 percent,

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dietary fiber (45 to 50 percent), mucilaginous soluble fiber (20 to 25 percent), fixed fatty acids and essential oils 6 to 8 percent and steroidal saponins 2 to 5 percent. In addition to these main components, some minor components like alkaloids (trigonolline, cholin, gentianine, carpaine etc), free unnatural amino acids (4hydroxyisoleucine), and individual spirostanols and furastanols like diosgenin, gitogenin, yamogenin etc have also been identified, isolated and characterised as the principal components responsible for its varying biological effects (9). Various solvent extraction techniques have been developed over the years to commercially extract the total fiber from fenugreek (10). The major challenge in the process is to remove the saponins and other phytochemicals present in fenugreek seeds, which are responsible for the bitter taste and the characteristic aroma of fenugreek seeds. A tasteless and odourless fiber fraction is indispensable for its applications in functional foods and nutraceuticals. Moreover, the fenugreek saponins are implicated for the body weight gain when supplemented to rats for hypercholestemia (11). The soluble fiber derived from fenugreek seeds has been identified chemically as galactomanns just like the other soluble fiber of guar seeds, psyllium husk etc (12). Galactomanns are biopolymers formed by the linear core poly (1 4)-D-mannan backbone to which varying degrees of D-galactosyl substituents are attached via 1,6-glycosidic linkages (Figure 1).

Figure 1. An average repeating unit of fenugreek galactomannans. (Adapted from Ref.12)

The ratio of mannans to galactose, molecular weight and the mode and place of linkages of galactose moieties to the mannan backbone are usually different in galactomanns derived from various legumes. For example, the one derived from locust beans have Mannans to Galactose ratio of 4:1, taragum has ratio 3:1, guar seed galactomannans have 2:1 and the fenugreek galactomannan has the maximum amount of galactose, the ratio being 1:1. That means, the galactose and mannose residues in fenugreek gum are uniformly linked and hence provide maximum hydration and solubility. This is again the reason for the low viscosity of fenugreek gum solutions and desegregation of molecular aggregates in solution at any given temperature. These properties make it an excellent ingredient for various food applications over the other natural hydrocolloids (13).

NUTRACEUTICAL APPLICATIONS A great deal of information has been gathered about the medicinal and therapeutic properties of total dietary fiber and the soluble fiber fractions made up of mainly galactomannans. The improvement in the serum biochemical profile of human and non-human primates, reduction in total serum cholesterol and triglycerides, raise in the highdensity lipoprotein cholesterol level, management of glycemic indices and obesity etc are some of the effects that have been investigated in detail. For instance, when the galactomannans have been compared for their efficacy in cholesterol management, it was found that the

chemical composition and the structure of galactomannan has a significant influence; as it is most evident when the galactose content was the highest. Thus, fenugreek gums with the highest galactose content (galactose to mannose ratio, G:M is 1:1) showed the maximum decrease of cholesterol in both liver and blood plasma, as compared to guar gum and locust bean gum whose G:M are 1:2 and 1:4 respectively (14). Another aspect of modern interest in fiber research is its plausible development as a novel dietary ingredient for functional foods. For example, the supplementation of soluble fiber through bread was found to be more effective than powder in blood glucose reduction (15). Below is a list of major metabolic syndromes and other disorders where dietary fiber, especially from fenugreek has been found to play a major role in controlling and/or preventing the disease states. The biochemical mechanisms of action of the dietary fiber in each case have also been tracked to some extent to understand its side effects and toxicity. - Constipation and irregularity: Fiber-deficiency is now linked to a higher risk of digestive conditions. Insoluble fiber improves health in the intestinal tract by increasing stool volume and stimulating normal bowel contractions thus reducing passage-time through the colon (16). Fenugreek fiber that are incompletely or slowly fermented by microflora in the large intestine promote normal laxation and are integral components of diet plans to treat constipation and prevent the development of diverticulosis and diverticulitis. It can provide bulk to the waste, holds water, softens the stool and minimises the transit time through the intestine, which helps to maintain constant and steady stool time. - Obesity: The prevalence of obesity has increased rapidly worldwide and the importance of considering the role of diet in the prevention and treatment of obesity is widely acknowledged. Dietary fiber is associated with a lesser degree of weight gain in observational studies. In this context, any diet with high fiber, low fat and high protein content will be of great significance (17). It was noticed that dietary fiber and protein rich food could increase secretion of the anorexigenic and insulinotropic hormone, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) to improve glucose tolerance and reduce weight gain (18). Debitterized, defatted total dietary fiber derived from fenugreek may be one of the most suited functional food ingredient as it contains 60 to 70 percent dietary fiber (in which 30 to 40 percent soluble fiber, and remaining insoluble fiber), and 20 to 25 percent protein. If taken 30 min prior to meal, it can effectively suppress the appetite by initiating the sense of satiety. The insoluble fiber content in the food also demands more chewing which helps to reduce the fat absorption. In short, a fiber-rich meal is processed more slowly, which promotes earlier satiety, and is frequently less calorically dense and lower in fat and added sugars. All of these characteristics are features of a dietary pattern to treat and prevent obesity. - Diabetes Mellitus: This is an area where significant amount of work has been done to establish the efficacy of fiber, especially the soluble part of the fenugreek dietary fiber on blood and serum glucose management and insulin production. Administration of 100 g fenugreek powder containing 50 percent dietary fiber for a period of 10 days have resulted a 25 percent decrease in the blood glucose level among the type II diabetes patients (19). SF fraction has been shown to reduce postprandial elevation in blood glucose level of Type 2 model diabetic rats by delaying the digestion of sucrose. When fenugreek soluble fiber was administered orally twice daily at a dose of 0.5 g/ kg for 28 days, it lowered the serum fructosamine level with no significant change in the insulin level as compared with the control. It is concluded that soluble fiber has a beneficial effect on dyslipidemia and has a tendency to inhibit platelet aggregation in Type 2 model diabetic rats (20). Recently, it was further found that the soluble fiber of fenugreek can improve glucose homeostasis by delaying carbohydrate digestion and absorption, and enhancing insulin action (21). An explanation could be the extensive gel formation and low viscosity of the resulting gels inside the intestine, which may delay the gastric emptying and decrease the intestinal

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transit time of the food mass. Glucose trapped inside the gel may leaches out slowly and prevents the sudden raise of blood-glucose level, which may also help to avoid fatigue and over eating. Viscous and gel-forming properties of soluble DF inhibit macronutrient absorption, reduce postprandial glucose response, and beneficially influence certain blood lipids (22). Cholesterol Management: Substantial scientific information's and clinical data are now available on the efficacy of dietary fiber, especially the soluble counter part such as beta-glucans or galactomannans in the management of hypercholesterolemia. Among the various galactomannans studied, Fenugreek derived galactomannans have shown to have the maximum efficacy in lowering the plasma cholesterol level due to its unique structure of galactose to mannose 1:1 ratio (13). Moreover, soluble fiber fractions selectively reduce only the dangerous low-density lipoproteins and triglycerides; keep the good high-density cholesterols intact (23). In a human study conducted on 60 individuals with diabetes and high cholesterol and triglycerides level showed a significant lowering in blood glucose, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides level up on the regular administration of 25 g of fenugreek fiber powder containing nearly 50 percent fiber content. However, HDL level had no decrease. High LDL and triglycerides are implied in the development of plaques in the arteries, which contribute to atherosclerosis and other coronary heart diseases. Thus the intake of soluble fiber may provide an alternative, or at least an adjunct, to drastic therapeutic interventions like cholesterol synthesis inhibitors. The biochemical mechanism of soluble fiber as a hypolipidemic agent can be delineated primarily to its capacity to bind bile acids, which are therefore excreted rather than recycled to the blood; this reduces blood cholesterol, which is taken up to reestablish an adequate supply of bile acids (24). In addition, soluble fiber may be fermented in the colon by bacteria to produce short-chain fatty acids, which can act to reduce cholesterol synthesis (25). There is also evidence for soluble fiber's capacity to directly regulate LDL metabolism. Hypertension: It is apparent from the efficacy of dietary fiber in conditions such as hypercholestemia, gastrointestinal tract related disorders and blood-glucose levels that, it should also have a positive control on the blood pressure or hypertensive patients. A very recent study shows that prevention of hypertension and improved blood pressure control can be achieved through dietary modification. Meta-analysis suggests that an increase of fiber intake of approximately 17 g/day will decrease systolic blood pressure by 1.15 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by 1.65 mmHg, with soluble fiber showing a stronger effect than insoluble fiber. The same is true with proteins also. In a large population study, it is found that an increase in 37 g/day of protein leads to a decrease in mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure by approximately 3 and 2.5 mmHg, respectively. Thus either supplementation of proteins and fiber or the incorporation of legumes, a protein- and fiber-rich food, may seems to be a feasible approach to hypertensive patients (26). C-reactive protein levels: C-reactive proteins are a group of proteins produced in the liver whose levels are found to be the latest markers for the onset of cardiac diseases, diabetes and other inflammatory diseases like arthritis. Both insoluble and soluble fiber appears to be protective against high C-reactive protein levels. In a study conducted to examine the reduction in inflammation from a diet supplemented with fiber compared with a diet naturally high in fiber, it is found that fiber intake of about 30 g/d either from a diet naturally rich in fiber or from a supplement can reduce the levels of CRP (27). However more research is required at this stage to more clearly elucidate the differential effect seen in lean Vs obese individuals and whether modification of dietary fiber may be helpful in modulating inflammation and its consequent cardiovascular consequences. Lung Function: Increased intake of dietary fiber, could boost lung health, and may reduce the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary

disease (COPD), suggests a new research report (28). COPD mainly affects smokers, and is the number five cause of death worldwide. It is characterized by chronic inflammation in the small airways of the lung and leads to excessive mucus production, excessive fibrous connective tissue development (fibrosis), and degradation of proteins. So far, there is no cure for this disease. Lung function was measured by the volume of air that could be forcibly blown out in one second, the so-called forced expiratory volume (FEV). The researchers reported that people with the highest average fiber intake had a FEV that was 60.2 ml higher than subjects with the lowest average fiber intake. Being the first study to report such findings, more studies are clearly necessary to further support the association. Moreover, mechanistic studies are needed to explain how fiber may exert a beneficial effect. - Colon cancer & Bowel disorders: Since the fenugreek fiber are gentle and laxative, which contribute to reduce the chance of colon cancers and irritable bowel syndromes very often related to low fiber diet. The short-chain fatty acids like butyrate, produced by the anaerobic bacterial fermentation of dietary fiber within the colonic lumen, are thought to protect against colon carcinogenesis. A recent study has confirmed the antiproliferative effects in tumor progression, and short chain fatty acid production is safe and without consequences for the normal epithelium growth (29). - Gallstones: Nearly 30 percent of the obese patients treated with hypoenergetic diets for weight reduction are found to develop gallstone disease. A double-blind clinical trial conducted to compare the effect of rational diet supplemented with the soluble fiber isolated from Psyllium plantago for the prevention of gallstone disease in obese subjects undergoing a weight-reduction diet showed some beneficial effect of fiber supplementation to prevent gallstone disease development among obese patients (30). The formation of soluble gels inside the intestine has shown to send message to brain to empty itself. Regular emptying of gall bladder may help to reduce the chance of gall-stone formation.

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APPLICATIONS IN FOOD INDUSTRY As one of the rich source of natural dietary fiber, fenugreek has established itself in the modern food ingredient or functional food sector. As a hydrocolloid, the soluble fiber from fenugreek, referred to as fenugreek gum, provide texture, appeal, gelling, thickening, emulsifying, stabilising and encapsulating properties. Thus dietary fiber, especially soluble fiber can find their way into nutrition and cereal bars, yogurts, dairy products and nutritional beverages. Plain powders of soluble fiber or total dietary fiber can be mixed with fruit juices, other spice mixes and seasonings. As direct supplements, it can formulate as tablets or capsules along with the other vitamins and nutrients. It may also be applied to milk shakes, soups, dressings, sweets and candies. It may also be used to fortify bakery flour for pizza, bread, pizza, bagel, muffins, cake mix, noodles, tortilla & flat bread, fried and baked corn chips etc. Flour fortified with 8 to 10 percent SDF has already been used to prepare bakery foods like pizza, bread, muffins, and cakes. It has also been proved when fiber fortified flour was used for making oil fried snacks, 8 to 15 percent of less oil absorption only takes place which is really appreciable in terms of unwanted fat intake. Some of the food items where fenugreek fiber can be used for various purposes are summarised in the Table 3 given below.

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Table 3. Some applications of fiber in food formulation

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DIETARY RECOMMENDATIONS According to National Academies' Institute of Medicine, adults of 50 years or younger should have an intake of nearly 38 g for men and 25 g for women on a daily basis. And for men and women over 50 years of age, can have an average daily intake of 30 and 21 g respectively. In this regard, it will be interesting to note that the fiber intake of an average American is only about 10 g per day (31). Typical fast food today offers even less amount of fiber, but high fat and carbohydrate content to make the situation really harmful. Though one can eat more grains and whole-grain products, fruits, vegetables, beans, peas, nuts and seeds for fiber balanced diet, fortification of the ingredients of food such as flours will be a better option so that people can have their beloved food with enough fiber. Fenugreek derived dietary fiber, being the conventional non toxic spice ingredient, assumes significance here. Optimum intake of fenugreek dietary fiber recommended for the above discussed health effects, as seen from the various independent study reports published in peerreviewed scientific journals may be as follows. 5 to 10 g per day is generally recommended for efficacy, although excess consumption up to 100 g per day does not imply any significant negative effect upon health. The dosages may vary depending on the food habits of the individuals. For constipation and irregularity, dosage of 5 g per day especially prior to bedtime will be beneficial. Those who have obesity issues are recommended to take the carbohydrate out from their diet and to boost the fiber and protein intake. Consumption of 10 g fiber per day 1hr prior to meal will be of great help to reduce the appetite and to control food intake. The same dosage is also recommended for the hypercholestemic patients for managing the cholesterol and triglyceride levels. 10 g dosages in two or three times a day is found to be very much helpful for blood sugar management among diabetes patients. For those who does not have any health issues can also add about 5 to 10 g of fiber per day to maintain good metabolism and hence good health. Since both SF and IF fractions of dietary fiber plays a major role in all these effects, fenugreek derived fiber will be a better choice as it contains both types in high percentage. Custom made fiber containing varying levels of SF and IF fractions or SF fraction alone is also currently available from fenugreek to meet the personalised demands depending on ones health condition. Dieticians and nutritionists can help a patient to identify the specification best suit their needs. However, new users are advised to start with small dosages and then to increase slowly to the desired dosage levels so as to allow the natural bacteria in your digestive system to adjust to the change. Also, drink plenty of water as the fiber works best when it absorbs water, making your stool soft and bulky.

can be applied to all kinds of food formulation for fiber fortification. However, more rigorous scientific research has yet to be performed to get wide acceptance to this old herb to exploit its potentiality in functional foods and nutraceuticals to maximum extent.

REFERENCES AND NOTES

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Readers interested in having a complete list of references are kindly invited to write to the author at Krishnakumar.IM@akay-group.com

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CONCLUSION We are passing through a time and enjoying a life style, which demands the adoption of what Hippocrates, has been said some 2500 years ago, "let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food". A large body of scientific evidence is currently available on a range of natural medicinal food or nutraceuticals to elucidate how this concept of resonance between food and medicine is possible. It is only a matter of segregating various functional ingredients and blending them in appropriate levels to have the food a medicinal touch and vice versa. Dietary fiber may be one such functional ingredient whose appropriate concentrations can have positive effect in maintaining good health and preventing many of the metabolic syndromes very often found across the globe. Some of the sources of dietary fiber and their commercial production from such sources have already been achieved. Guar gum, psyllium husk and oats bran are the major sources currently exploited to maximum level. In this regard, fenugreek seeds offer great potentiality being the richest source of both soluble and insoluble fiber and one of the traditionally used medicinal and culinary spices. If processed properly, fenugreek fiber

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